Finding the right pair of reading glasses can make a huge difference. Clear vision is essential whether you’re looking to read a menu, check your phone, or even drive. However, vision often changes with age, and it’s difficult to tell what reading glasses are right for you. Do not buy over the counter reading glasses unless instructed by your doctor. The reason is that blurred vision can also be caused by Glaucoma, Diabetes, and Macular degeneration. You need to know what is causing the blur.
In addition, pre-made reading glasses are all made to a set pupillary distance which is not even close to being ideal for most patients. If your pupillary measurement do not match perfectly, then the over the counter lenses can induce prism which can often lead to further eyestrain, fatigue, and headaches. Plus, almost everyone’s eyes are different between the left and right yet the premade over the counter glasses are the same in both eyes. So your doctor will make them correctly for you and match your eye measurements with your frame measurements for the correct vision.
To choose your reading glasses, you need to learn what’s causing your vision issues. You can visit your optometrist for a proper diagnosis, and they can help you find the right pair. No faces are alike, and you’ll need a unique approach, so trust your optometrist’s advice.
What Are Reading Glasses For?
Reading glasses are a tried-and-true tool for correcting presbyopia, an age-related condition that primarily affects nearby vision.
Presbyopia develops due to the hardening of the eye’s natural lens. It’s a common age-associated change that often becomes noticeable in your early 40s or 50s. The eye slowly loses the ability to focus on nearby objects, which makes it difficult to read nearby objects, use phones, and drive.
This is why reading glasses exist. They incorporate several prescriptions into a single lens. While one of these prescriptions corrects distance vision, a second corrects nearby vision. This simple solution reduces unnecessary strain and restores comfortable nearby sight.
How Reading Glasses Work
There are generally two types of reading glasses to consider. The first are over-the-counter options that come pre-made with different magnification levels. These are a quick, affordable option, but they don’t work for everyone. Since they’re pre-made, they aren’t customized to your unique needs.
For a more precise fit, prescription reading glasses are a great choice. These are customized based on your unique vision requirements. You have several options:
- Bifocal lenses: These have two separate viewing zones in the lens. The upper zone is for distant vision, while the lower zone is for near vision. These are convenient, though there is often a distinct line in the lens that can be distracting at first.
- Progressive lenses: These are similar to bifocals but without the visible line. They appear more like traditional glasses. Progressive lenses incorporate a gradual transition between distance and near vision prescriptions.
- Monovision: This option involves wearing a single-vision lens in one eye for distance and another in the other eye for close-up tasks. It can take some getting used to, but it’s a popular choice due to its convenience.
When it’s time to choose, your optometrist can guide you toward what suits you. The right pair of reading glasses lets you maintain clear vision without frustration, and your optometrist is there to help. Whether it’s prescription glasses or over-the-counter options, a pair of reading glasses makes a noticeable difference.
How to Tell If You Need Reading Glasses
Knowing when you might need reading glasses isn’t always obvious. Presbyopia often creeps in gradually, but there are signs to watch for. Watch out for symptoms like:
- Text appearing blurry when it’s close to your eyes.
- Needing to hold objects farther away to see them clearly.
- Frequent headaches from reading, especially in low lighting.
- Squinting and strain during close-up tasks, even in good light.
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to schedule an eye exam. Your optometrist can examine your eyes to diagnose the cause of your symptoms. Then, they’ll work with you to find a solution that meets your needs.
How to Get Reading Glasses
Getting started with reading glasses is simpler than you think. First, you’ll need to book an eye exam with your optometrist. They’ll confirm if reading glasses are right for you and properly diagnose your condition. Then, they can give you a prescription to correct your vision.
Here at Danville Optometric Group, we can create custom reading glasses right here in the office. You’ll get a pair personalized to your unique needs. This means you don’t need to compromise on fit or function—and we’ll also work with you to find a style that suits you!
What Glasses Match Your Face Shape?
A good pair of glasses is about more than just clear vision. The shape of the frames contributes to how your glasses look and feel! The key is choosing a frame style that compliments your natural face shape.
Here’s a quick guide to matching glasses to your face shape:
- For round faces: Look for rectangular frames to add angles and contrast to your features.
- For oval faces: Try choosing a pair of frames with bold, angular lines to add definition to your softer features.
- For square faces: Opt for round or oval frames to balance sharp angles and bring softer edges.
- For heart-shaped faces: Frames that are wider at the bottom can balance strong cheekbones and a narrow chin.
Trying on different styles is just as important as knowing how the shapes match up. Remember—this is just a rough guide. If you find a pair that feels comfortable and looks good to you, that’s what matters.
Get Your New Reading Glasses
Choosing reading glasses doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a little guidance, it’s easy to find glasses that bring clarity and comfort back into focus. And our team here at Danville Optometric Group is ready to help you every step of the way! Schedule an appointment with our team today, and let’s work together to find a pair of reading glasses that are right for you.
